An entrepreneur is gearing up to attend an annual awards ceremony after being named as a finalist.

Mel Walmsley, company director of Lakes Sandwiches Ltd and Brandreth Foods Ltd, is set to attend the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) on Friday, September 27.

She has made it to the final stage in the Family Business category.

The EVAs, held annually in Blackpool and dedicated solely to women, recognise the achievements of female entrepreneurs across the North West.

This year marks the 13th year of the awards.

Ms Walmsley reached the final after a rigorous selection process, which included a 20-minute interview consisting of a five-minute presentation and 15 minutes of questioning by a panel of expert judges.

Ms Walmsley said: "I am thrilled to have been selected as a finalist.

"It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women and to represent our family-run businesses, which have been built with dedication and a commitment to supporting local suppliers and our community."

Both of Ms Walmsley's businesses, Lakes Sandwiches Ltd and Brandreth Foods Ltd, pride themselves on using regionally-sourced ingredients and offering hand-crafted, high-quality food.

Lakes Sandwiches provides fresh food-to-go solutions for retailers as well as outside catering options for both corporate and private events.

Brandreth Foods focuses on nutritious, hand-made convenience meals, supporting regional farmers and food producers.

Ms Walmsley said: "At the heart of our businesses is a deep-rooted commitment to the local community and to creating something that families can feel proud of – whether it's a freshly prepared sandwich or a nutritious, handmade meal."

The entrepreneur is one of seven Cumbrian finalists attending the awards.

She said: "It’s fantastic to see so many women from Cumbria represented this year.

"It speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit and talent in our county."

More information about the EVAs is available at https://enterprisevisionawards.co.uk/